Fear 2: Project Origin Review

With the highly successful release of FEAR 1, you would have been able to guess that a sequel was due for release. What caused a further delay in the release was that Monolith had decided to turn to a new publisher, and was unable to get the rights to the FEAR name. Thus Monolith had no other choice than to pick a new name for its franchise, that being “Project Origin”. Months before the full release, WB entertainment had given the rights to FEAR back to Monolith. With all this drama ensuing, was Monolith able to deliver a sequel that lives up to its name?

The ground around you becomes hazy, you try to focus your attention to your wounds. Blood dripping, you’re battered and exhausted. You slowly stagger up the stairs when your flashlight goes out. The air is thick, lockers torn open, and papers covering the floors. Lights out, nothing but faint voices of children echoing all around you. You raise your gun, aware of the incoming danger. Walking near blind in the Elementary school, you make for the nearest light source. The laughter only gets louder as you panic down the hallway. You stumble face first into the ground. The voices stop, only the sound of your exhaling carries through the building. You slowly get up and notice two deathly pale feet in front of you; you stagger back only to see an empty hallway. You make for the classroom, as you open the door a sudden shock brings you into a field. You look around to make sure you’re not dreaming, you feel the breeze as it hits you. You hear the same child’s laughter. You proceed to the tree swing. A loud scream shocks you back into reality, as you’re pulled in the room.

Fear 2, not only immerses you into the story, but successfully incorporates the term “survival”. Fear is short for “First Encounter Assault Recon”, where in the first game you play as “Point Man”. The whole game involves around a character named Alma, and a company called Armacham. Armacham is a R & D company that deals with military technologies, in this case dealing with “replica soldiers” and physic abilities. The game revolves around your character, Michael Becket, and his struggle to survive this impending apocalypse.

From Fear 1, Fear 2 remains the same with in the game play with some features removed; leaning. Although players are able to jump into the game with ease, the game becomes rather stale in game play. When you’re not in a suit of power armor, you’re on foot approaching linear paths and triggered events. The story is where FEAR 2 really shines in terms of keeping the gamer playing. Prior knowledge of FEAR 1 is recommended, because the plot may seem it has a lot of holes otherwise. In each mission you’re pitted against new enemies, and have to deal with the “attacks” from Alma.

The AI is another high point for FEAR 2, they are one of the few AI programmed to wander through any level depending on the situation appointed to them. You may end up fighting a single unit or an army based upon how you engage. This brings up the re-playability value, but not by much. You can’t expect the AI to change up that many tactics in an office room. Unlike other series such as COD, the AI are reasonable in their abilities, never stepping over the boundaries and being just plain absurd. Other than the AI, and some memorable sections in the single player there aren’t many reason why you would go back.

Audio/Graphics:

FEAR 2 tries to emulate what it would be like if you were in the position of Becket. Music is used subtlety, and mostly it’s just the sounds of your running and gunning. However when you’re pitted against the supernatural powers of Alma, things get intense. Not only do your hairs rear up, you also turn on the nearest light near you. The game does a phenomenal job when it comes time to frighten the audience.

FEAR 2 has its own style that’s represented in its graphics. Everything is gritty, and given a vintage look. It may have been because of nuclear explosion, or an evil demon child but the game itself looks good. The lighting is where you’re able to see the beauty of FEAR 2′s capabilities, however when you’re exposed to the outdoor environment, one can’t help but notice its aging engine.

Multiplayer :

Honestly, there really isn’t much to talk about. There aren’t many individuals that play FEAR 2 online, and when there is a server full, you end up playing with the same individuals. Modes that FEAR2 offers are tdm, dm, ctf, and other modes it’s fun but with a small community don’t expect it to keep you hooked for long.

Pros:

-Very immersive single player campaign

-New mechanics that have not been established in any fps.

-Single player lasts about 7+ hours (depending on difficulty)

Cons:

-Low re-playability

-Triggered events

-Multiplayer although fun, you end up playing with the same 20 people.